Acts 12:1-19 (NLT)

Today’s text brings out mixed emotions. There are two different fates for the men who used to be the disciples of Jesus. James, the brother of John, falls to the sword of King Herod and dies the death of martyr. Peter, we read, experiences a miraculous delivery from God, while he is thrown into prison. How do we explain the discrepancy in God’s work? Why would God rescue one by sending His angels and let the other die an innocent death? At the same time, I can’t help but be amazed at the transformation that occurred in their lives. These are the men who used to argue among themselves who would be the greatest (Luke 9:46-50). These were the hot-tempered men who asked Jesus whether they could call fire down from Heaven to destroy the unbelieving Samaritans (Luke 9:51-56).

What made the men calm before the threat of their own death? What made them yield themselves into the hands of God so completely that they were willing to risk their lives?

There is no doubt that Peter was preparing for his own end when he was arrested. King Herod intended the same fate for Peter just as for James. One thing we can glean from the Scriptures is the support of the church for Peter in prayer. While Peter was in prison, the whole church was in earnest prayer for Peter. Even when Peter was freed from the prison and knocked on the door of Mary’s house, people were gathered and were praying.

The deliverance of Peter was indeed no other than the answer of the prayer made by the Church. The prayer of the Church moved God to send His angels to rescue Peter. What about James? Did the Church not pray for him? I am certain that it did just as it did for Peter. Then, why didn’t God answer the Church’s prayer for James? I’m not sure and only God can answer the question. One thing for certain is that neither of the men wavered in faith before King Herod. They believed in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They believed in the Greater Authority—the God of the universe, who has the power over the dead and the living rather than King Herod.

Reflection:
When have you earnestly prayed to God, as if it were a matter of life and death? Pray today for the Christians you know who are under persecution in the world and ask God to break the bondage of chains in their lives, so that the Gospel can be freely preached.

Posted: May 22, 2007
*This devotional first appeared in Encounter Monthly Journal, July 2006